Darwinism
From RationalWiki
The word Darwinism is, to an extent, dependent on who is using the term.
To some, mainly in the USA, Darwinism is a derogatory phrase used by creationist and Intelligent design proponents to describe evolution[1]; while to others - including Richard Dawkins, a foremost authority on the subject - it is simply a synonym for evolution.[2]
Various permutations of the term bump around the internet and blogs, such as Darwinist to describe a vocal proponent of evolution, or neo-Darwinism, an attempt to somewhat overcome the main objection to the phrase.
[edit] Problems with the term
Although Charles Darwin is a seminal figure in the modern theory of evolution and his contribution is certainly recognized, there have been over 150 years worth of advancements since his initial publication of The Origin of Species. A problem with this phrase is that science is about evidence and not personality cults. While great contributors to a field of study are respected, they are not worshiped and revered like a guru. It is interesting to note how this mentality of assigning Darwin as the supposed "worshipped father of evolution" reflects the creationists' need for a worshiped father figure to be the head of everything. It is like calling believers of gravity "Newtonists" or believers of relativity "Einsteinians."
While it is certainly true the few "ism's" which are based on people's names such as Thatcherism, Marxism and Confucianism most obviously base their thoughts largely or entirely on the writings or thoughts of those worthies, the same cannot be said of Darwinism - the study of which has expanded well beyond Darwin s original "Origin of Species".
[edit] See Also
[edit] References
- ↑ From the Beagle to the School Board: God Goes Back to School, Morris Sullivan, Impact Press, Spring 2005.
- ↑ Richarddawkins.net See front page
